What is better for hair keratin or protein?

Author: Shanny Pacocha  |  Last update: Tuesday, November 18, 2025

It depends on your hair's condition and goals. Damaged or weak hair may benefit from protein, while frizzy hair seeking smoothness and straightening may prefer keratin.

Does my hair need keratin or protein?

Your hair strands are made up of around 90% of fibrous proteins like keratin, which form the centre of the hair cortex and give your hair its elasticity. Protein also gives your curls strength, shape and structure, so without it they'll soon be looking weak, limp and lacking definition.

Which is better, keratin or protein treatment?

It depends on your hair goals. If you want smooth, frizz-free hair, go for keratin. If your hair is damaged and needs strengthening, a protein treatment is the way to go.

What are the disadvantages of protein hair treatment?

Protein Treatment for Hair Side Effects
  • Dryness and Brittle Hair. While protein treatments are designed to repair damaged hair, they can sometimes lead to dryness and brittle hair if not paired with the right moisturizing products. ...
  • Hair Breakage. ...
  • Scalp Sensitivity. ...
  • Frizz and Texture Change. ...
  • Hair Thinning.

Why is my hair falling out after protein treatment?

Your hair may feel more coarse and struggle to hold a curl when dealing with protein overload. Too much protein may also cause split ends and breakage, leaving hair to shed more.

How to choose your first Hair Protein Treatment ? Keratin, Nanoplastia, Cystiene or Smoothening ?

What is the least damaging hair treatment?

Brazilian straightening is the least damaging hair straightening method thanks to the use of keratin and gentle formulas that respect the natural structure of the hair. By offering long-lasting results and improving the overall health of the hair, Brazilian straightening stands out from other straightening techniques.

How to tell if hair needs protein?

If your hair strands feel dry, brittle, and bumpy on touch, fair chance you're lacking moisture. If it feels mushy, doesn't stretch at all and snaps easily, it likely needs more protein.

Is too much keratin bad for your hair?

Basically, if you apply too much keratin, your hair will lose its elasticity and become stiff and hard. It is more brittle because of this hardness. Therefore, when hair is yanked, it doesn't bounce back into shape but instead breaks more easily.

How often should you protein treat hair?

As a general rule, it is safe to use a protein treatment weekly for the first month to restore hair's strength and elasticity. Use once or twice a month thereafter. Overuse of protein treatments can actually dry hair out. Always follow the directions on the package or consult your stylist.

What hair treatment is better than keratin?

Nanoplastia: Offers similar and better results to Keratin treatment without harmful chemicals. Botox treatment: Protein-rich treatment that nourishes, repairs, and straightens your hair without compromising health.

Which protein is best for hair?

  • Fish (Salmon, sardines, mackerel) Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel are rich in both protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining a healthy scalp and promoting hair growth. ...
  • Lentils and beans. ...
  • Nuts and seeds. ...
  • Tofu and tempeh. ...
  • Spinach. ...
  • Cottage cheese.

Which treatment is best for hair, keratin or protein treatment?

It depends on your hair's condition and goals. Damaged or weak hair may benefit from protein, while frizzy hair seeking smoothness and straightening may prefer keratin.

Is frizzy hair due to lack of protein?

If you've recently highlighted or chemically treated your hair, you also need to use protein regularly. Protein treatments can help strengthen the hair shaft and restore its structural integrity. On the other hand, if your hair feels dry, frizzy, and lacks elasticity, it's likely in need of moisture.

How to tell if hair is over moisturized?

Common signs of Moisture Overload
  1. If you pull one strand of hair it will stretch and stretch without bouncing back, and eventually fall apart and tear.
  2. The hair will feel mushy, limp and excessively soft.
  3. Your curls will struggle to hold their shape, they will have little definition and tend to fall flatter than normal.

Does keratin ruin your hair?

The keratin itself isn't damaging to hair, but the excess heat and other chemicals involved in keratin treatments may leave your client's locks vulnerable. And, as we know, chemical damage and heat damage can have a number of side effects. These include: Dryness and dullness.

What does protein overload hair look like?

Hair in protein overload will have some distinctive symptoms: If you pull one strand of hair it will have no elasticity, but instead it will snap and break. The hair will feel dry, brittle and stringy, because it won't have enough moisture to stretch and support elasticity. The hair will lose shine and look dull.

What is the best hair repair product?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Styling Serum: Oribe Hair Alchemy Fortifying Treatment Serum, $66.
  • Best Deep Conditioner: Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! ...
  • Best Bond Treatment: Living Proof Triple Bond Complex, $45.
  • Best for Sensitive Scalps: Seen Leave-In Conditioner Fragrance-Free, $27.
  • Best Leave-In: Moroccanoil Treatment Original, $48.

What should you not use on thin hair?

  • Don't Use Heavy Products. Heavy products can weigh down fine hair, making it look limp and lifeless. ...
  • Don't Skip Regular Washing. ...
  • Don't Overuse Conditioner. ...
  • Don't Use Too Much Heat. ...
  • Don't Forget to Clarify. ...
  • Don't Ignore Scalp Care. ...
  • Don't Skip Trims. ...
  • Don't Use the Wrong Brush.

Who should not get keratin treatment?

The high heat and strong chemicals used in keratin treatments risk making your hair dry, brittle and prone to breakage. People with fine hair and/or already processed hair should be especially wary, since their more delicate strands may not be able to withstand the treatment without breaking.

What are the big 3 for thinning hair?

Most of the time when people are chatting about the big 3 for hair loss, they are referring to Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Ketoconazole (Nizoral) shampoo. Although, there are some who feel like the third component of the big 3 should be microneedling in place of Ketoconazole shampoo.

Does putting coconut oil on your hair help?

Coconut oil can have many benefits for your hair and scalp. It is used to relieve dandruff, restore luster to dry and damaged hair, tame frizz, and protect hair against styling damage. It is safe to use on all hair types.

What does protein deficiency hair look like?

Hair looks limp and stringy.

Dull and limp hair is a sign of protein deficiency.

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